Is “Recession-itis” taking its toll on you?

For the past few months we’ve all seen the headlines … “Financial Meltdown”, “Recession”, and “Hunker Down”. The word of the year for 2008 is ‘bailout’.

Looking ahead at 2009, what will you choose to fill your head with? One of hope, resilience and knowing that, “this too will pass?” or, will you bury your head in the sand along with all those other doomsday prophets?

I believe 2009 is the year that many folks will get back to reality in spending habits. Life may become simpler.

This morning as I was preparing my kids sandwiches, I used the last zip lock sandwich bag.  I began to consider my school days. I wondered to myself, “Will I buy more zip lock sandwich bags”?

Growing up, I was the youngest of six kids. My parents were born in the depression, in rural Prince Edward Island. It was natural for my Mom to send us to school with our sandwiches wrapped in the recycled 1 litre milk bags. I was quite embarrassed about my sandwich wrappers for most of my school years. However, by the time I was in grade 12 – and a leader in my school – I began to think that my sandwich wrappers were cool – and I appreciated my Mom’s habits.

Last night I attended an information session put on by One Change. Their flagship project is Project Porchlight. I have volunteered to distribute free energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) door-to-door in our neighborhood.

Did you know that if every Canadian house hold changed one bulb in their home to a Compact Florescent light bulb, it would be similar to taking 66,000 cars of the road!

This one simple action will help to save you money, and help to save our planet. Simple action making global impact!

So as we enter into 2009 take some time and reflect over your past year. Take time to set some goals for 2009. Think about Financial goals, Time goals (how much time will you work, spend with family and friends, etc.), Strategic Goals (is time to “make the switch”, do something new, replace your role at work), Association goals (… or mentorship, who are you hanging out with).

In 2009, recycle your lunch bags, change your light bulbs – and prosper! I hope to see you on your door step – where I will be giving away light bulbs promoting simple change, joining our South Calgary Community Association, and talking to you about real estate!